thoroughly

adverb

thor·​ough·​ly ˈthər-(ˌ)ō-lē How to pronounce thoroughly (audio)
sometimes ˈthȯr-;
ˈthə-(ˌ)rō-
Synonyms of thoroughlynext
: in a complete or thorough manner
Police thoroughly searched the crime scene for clues.
Bats are extremely tidy: they comb themselves thoroughly, and don't gather a mess of nesting materials for their homes, as birds do.Diane Ackerman
: to a complete or thorough extent
We were thoroughly satisfied with the service we received.
thoroughly disgusted/delighted
By taking all the tricks in the game, one defeats the opponent so thoroughly that he may be disconcerted …Craig M. Carver

Examples of thoroughly in a Sentence

they researched the issue thoroughly before deciding how to vote I am thoroughly satisfied with her explanation of the events of that evening
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Key components such as reducers, lead screws, and dexterous hand tendons will be thoroughly tested during this process. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026 But with rates here largely unmoved in recent weeks, buyers should use this stability to thoroughly shop for rates and lenders online now. Matt Richardson, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026 Testing Joomra Pillow Slippers To thoroughly analyze the pillow slippers, our tester used them for two weeks on several surfaces. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026 Rinse the area with water and dry thoroughly. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thoroughly

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thoroughly was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Thoroughly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thoroughly. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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